My Favourite Book I Read In 2021

Hello! 

I can’t believe that we are on the final day of 2021! Today I celebrated with a booster jab, crepes and seeing the new Spider-man film. I will be spending my evening with a glass (more likely a bottle) of wine and a book.  This year has been one of a kind, sort of like a blur. For me, it started off shaky,  as the year has progressed things began to look up. I pursued my career in Copywriting and 6 months in I’m absolutely adoring every second of it. I’ll be continuing my role further into 2022 which I couldn’t be more grateful for. I’ve met some amazing people this year and despite my mental health not being the greatest I’m ending the year on a positive note! 

At the beginning of the year, I decided not to set a reading goal. However, I have still been tracking the books I’ve read on Good Reads and as of today, I read a grand total of 16 books in 2021!  Most of those have been towards the end of the year but I am absolutely chuffed. I finally reread the Divergent series after years of wanting to, I explored new genres and met so many new characters! I’m ready to read even more in 2022. 

 As I managed 16 books this year I am aiming to try and read 1 book a week, so my end of year total should be 52 books. I also want to write and share 2 book reviews a month with you guys, most of the year I was able to post weekly so I am aiming for this in 2022 too!

Out of all 16 books that I’ve read over the last year, one, in particular, stood out to me. Next Exit Home by Dena Blake. 

I read this book at the beginning of the year and absolutely adored it! I posted a review of the book which you can read here. It was this book that started my search for more queer fiction. Spoiler for my 2022 reading list: lots of queer fiction. 

I’ve been purchasing new books so expect a blog post in the new year talking about all the books I aim to read in 2022-with no pressure of course. I have enough on the list to cover at least 2 months' worth of reading.  I have never been more excited to read in my entire life, I can't wait to share more book reviews and bookish blog posts with you guys in the year to come. Wishing you the best for the new year. 

My Favourite Book I Read In 2021

Friday 31 December 2021

Next Exit Home

Hello,

This week I bring you a book review of Next Exit Home by Dena Blake. A lesbian romance novel told from two different points of views: Harper and Addison. Harper leaves her life in Denver to move back to her hometown with her daughter Eden to help look after her father's veterinary clinic. She runs into Addison, a teenage crush who is closeted to most people, Addison has her own daughter Brooke.

The story takes us through their lives of working together, Addison's mother is dating Harper's father. Harper is still reeling from her mother's death. There is a lot going on in terms of an ex, vet clinics and being somewhere she hates.

Addison is studying, covering the clinic although she isn't fully licenced yet. She seems to have commitment issues as she dates a woman out of time once a week, it seems she still seeks approval from her friends in terms of her relationships and life.

Both of the character's worlds change as they find comfort in one another.

The story was a little slow at first, I didn't really gel with Harper's life in Denver (neither did she really) I loved the tension and interactions between her and Addison.

Truthbetold, I never used to be into romance novels. I just didn't enjoy them, but this is the first lesbian romance novel I have ever read. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I guess I can relate to this much more than I could hetero romance novels. The way this story was told is amazing, I liked the switching of point of views, or at least seeing things from the two character's perspective. This story was so refreshing to read.

It was such an emotional rollercoaster at times, especially when Daisy has to switch owners it broke my heart. There was a scene in the book that really struck out to me that I had to write down part of the conversation between Harper and Addison: 

"I would've gone if you asked' 'If you'd asked I would have stayed"

I had to put down my Ipad and cry a little, it was such an intense moment. 

The story was just so enjoyable to read, at times I got a little frustrated with the characters because they just wouldn't communicate with each other about things in their life, but they worked it out and I am so glad I got the chance to read this on NetGalley. It made my heart swoon and I was so pleased to see that they both got their happy fairytale ending. It was such a heartwarming easy read, I highly recommend it especially if you need a little pick-me-up! 

Next Exit Home

Sunday 21 March 2021